Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas Tree Panda Explosion Box

I have a big achievement this week -- I made an explosion box...!!!

I've always admired the explosion boxes I've seen others make, but I thought they were too involved and too complicated for me.  But with Christmas coming, I was inspired to make something special to hold gift cards for my son's preschool teachers.  This box has a red, green, and Christmas tree theme and also features a panda since that's the mascot for my son's classroom.  Here's the outside:


Open it up, and here's what's inside...


And a few closeups of the panels...





Project Details:
  • Papers - patterned papers from Recollections - Believe paper pack; solid cardstock by Recollections; gold paper by Creative Memories
  • Cricut Cuts - 3-D tree from Winter Woodland, page 73; panda from Create a Critter, page 58; scarf for panda from Winter Frolic, page 35; ornaments from Winter Frolic, pages 64 and 65; tag from Winter Frolic, page 65; "Christmas Wishes" sentiment from Winter Frolic, page 67; "A Gift for You" sentiment from Winter Frolic, page 43
  • Embossing - tree, ornament pieces, and outside side panels with Cuttlebug's Victoria
  • Other - ornaments inked with Colorbox red ink pad; gold curling ribbon from stash; sentiments on pop dots

I'm super pleased with the result and hope his teacher likes the way we presented her gift card.  The only thing I'd change is backing the patterned papers with cardstock -- it made the flaps a little too heavy to stay "exploded" when the box is open.  Next time, I'll either skip the backing and/or choose lighter-weight papers.

My favorite detail is how the scarf is curled to make it appear to be blowing in the wind.  It had a more utilitarian beginning, though -- I had to curl so it would fit in the box when folded!  I also like the holly paper I used on the inside panels.  It kinda looks like bamboo, which is perfect for the panda!

I hope you enjoyed my first explosion box -- it took three naptimes to make!  I'm entering this project in the following challenges:

BBTB2: Challenge - Winter Frolic Tag
Cooking with Cricut: Challenge #64 - Cards, Tags, & Gifts
Die Cuttin' Divas: Challenge #44 - Tags, Tags, & More Tags
Whimsical Designs: Challenge - Winter Fun

10 comments:

  1. Wow, this is fabulous. Thanks for sharing it with us at BBTB2.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh My Goodness this is amazing for your first time and your sons teachers are going to love it probably more then the gift card, lol! Thanks for sharing with us over at BBTB2!
    ((Hugs)) Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute. I agree the scarf is a great effect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW!!! This is just so much fun!!!! What a great idea for a gift card. Thanks for sharing at CWC.
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  5. WOW!! This is one of the most gorgeous explosion boxes I've ever seen!! They look so complicated. Thanks for playing with us at BBTB2!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Holy Moley! This is just fabulous! The teachers will be totally blown away with this adorable box. Couldn't be cuter. thanks for joining us at BBTB2. xxD

    ReplyDelete
  7. OH MY !!!! Your box is SPECTACULAR !!!!! You did a fantastic job !!! Are you SURE you are a Cricut beginner ? LOL Thank you SO much for sharing with us at BBTB2 !!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow, wow, wow! This is an awesome project! Thanks for joining us at BBTB2!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is just sooooo cute and clever. You did a wonderful job.
    Thanks for sharing at CWC.
    Hugs,
    Larelyn

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jessica - CONGRATULATIONS ! Your explosion box was selected as the winner at BBTB2 for our project of the week (POW) ! Please contact me (Lori) for your blinkie that you can proudly add to your blog !! I loved your project - it SUPER cute and so much fun ! Congrats again !!!!!!

    ReplyDelete